Jason Donnelly has served Villanova University in several roles with distinction since 2005. He currently serves as a Senior Associate Athletic Director for Villanova Athletics and the Executive Director of Athletic Development for University Advancement. As a member of Director of Athletics, Mark Jackson, senior leadership team since 2015, Donnelly is involved with all aspects of the Athletic Department. More specifically, Donnelly has been instrumental in the record-breaking fundraising achievements and unprecedented growth and success of Villanova Athletics during the past 4 years.
As Executive Director for Athletic Development, Donnelly is responsible for leading the Villanova Athletic Fund which oversees fundraising and external support for all 24 Varsity Sports. Donnelly led Villanova Athletics to over $120 million in dollars raised during the past 4 years which includes 3 consecutive record-breaking fundraising years and a 330% increase in dollars raised since 2015. During this time Donnelly led the fundraising efforts for the $65 million Finneran Pavilion renovation, which is the university’s largest 100% donor funded capital project, and the creation of the “Nova Points” donor support-based system. Donnelly was actively involved in the stewardship the largest gift in the history of Villanova Athletics and closed numerous $1 million plus gifts including the largest gift in the history of Women’s Athletics. During the past 4 years Villanova Athletics has successfully funded and completed several Capital Projects in support of all 24 Varsity Sports teams including the $18 million Andy Talley Football Operations Center, Davis Center Facility Enhancements for Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Locker Rooms, Track & Field Offices and Locker Rooms, and the new Villanova Field Hockey Field in Conshohocken, PA. Villanova Athletics has also significantly increased funding for department wide scholarships, staffing and operational support during this time.
Donnelly previously served as the Assistant Director for Athletic Development for University Advancement and the Special Assistant to Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Jay Wright. In this role Donnelly served as the Athletic Department liaison for Villanova Basketball with the university. Donnelly was responsible for coordinating fundraising, scheduling, alumni engagement and university events in support of the athletic department. Additionally, Donnelly provided programmatic support for Men’s Basketball and was a key contributor to Villanova’s historic 5 year run as the “nation’s most successful college basketball program” from 2013 – 2018 and 2 NCAA National Championships in 2016 and 2018.
Prior to this role Donnelly served as an Assistant Coach and Director of Operations for Villanova Basketball starting in 2005. During his decade on the Wildcats’ bench, Villanova Basketball made nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including runs to the 2006 NCAA Elite Eight and 2009 NCAA Final Four. Villanova also captured three Big East Conference regular season championships. During his time as assistant coach Donnelly was responsible for coaching, scouting, recruiting, compliance and scheduling. He successfully developed and recruited several Villanova Wildcats for National and Conference honors and professional careers including the 2016 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Ryan Arcidiacono.
Outside of Villanova, Donnelly has been a member of NACDA (National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics), NAADD (National Association of Athletic Development Directors), NABC (National Association of Basketball Coaches) and has presented at CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education). Donnelly has worked closely with the Big East Conference, Fox Sports, Nike and USA Basketball, serving as the Director of Basketball Operations at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Additionally, Donnelly recently complete coursework for his Master’s in Public Administration degree at Villanova University.
A native of Colonia, N.J., Donnelly is a 1999 graduate of Muhlenberg College, where he played Varsity Basketball and was an accomplished student leader on campus. He began his coaching career at Muhlenberg as an assistant coach before moving on to Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, VA, from 1999 – 2005 where he taught World History and United States Government and served as the lead assistant to Head Coach, Joe Wootten. Bishop O’Connell was ranked as the #1 basketball program in the state of Virginia and finished the season with a 31-3 record in 2005.
Donnelly and his wife, Rachel are the proud parents of Aidan, Raelyn, and Allister.
